Tom Crowley Memorial Quiz - Remembering Tom Crowley Together

Obituary

We are raising funds for the Kerry Hospice Foundation, in grateful recognition of the loving care Tom received during his time in the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry. The hospice is a vital resource for families across the county, and all proceeds raised will go directly towards supporting its ongoing extension.There are two ways you can support:1. Make a Donation Through iDonateIf you are unable to join us on the night, or would simply like to make an additional contribution, you can support the fundraiser by donating directly through iDonate. Simply click the Donate Now button below to visit our iDonate fundraising page and make your contribution.Every table booked, raffle ticket purchased and donation made will help us support the invaluable work of the Kerry Hospice Foundation and Palliative Care services.2. Join Us for the Tom Crowley Memorial Table QuizPlease join us at The Oyster Tavern, Tralee, on Thursday, 5th November from 8pm, when the Spa Fenit branch of the Kerry Hospice Foundation will hold its annual table quiz in memory of Tom. Tables of 5 | Entry Fee €50 per table.Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to a great evening while raising much-needed funds for this very worthy cause.There will also be fantastic raffle prizes on the night. Raffle tickets can be pre-purchased or bought on the night for €5 for one ticket or €10 for three tickets, with the chance to win one of our fabulous prizes, including:<ul><li>Two-night stay at the 5-star Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co. Kilkenny</li><li>Framed John Hurley painting</li><li>Fourball at Ballybunion Golf Club</li><li>Fourball at Tralee Golf Club</li><li>€500 voucher for Fitzgibbons Interiors</li><li>Garvey’s SuperValu Hampers</li><li>Plus lots more fantastic prizes on the night</li></ul>There will also be a special auction for a signed Kerry GAA Jersey.

Support Kerry Hospice Foundation - In Memory of Tom Crowley

Two-night, two-dinner stay at The Lyrath Estate, Co. Kilkenny

Framed John Hurley painting (different to shown)

Prizes available in our raffle include:

A woman and a child dressed in red walk ahead of a funeral car and a group of mourners at a funeral ceremony.

A collection of branded merch and freebies for events with the hashtag #EventSponsorship

Memorial shrine for Queen Elizabeth II at the British embassy in Berlin

JUNE 7TH 2026 was a day of great sadness in the life of Spa parish as one of its most cherished and respected parishioners, Tom Crowley, Knockanish, quietly passed to his eternal reward.As news of Tom’s death filtered through, an air of deep sadness enveloped the parish, leaving family, friends and all those whose lives he touched feeling a great sense of loss. Tom, or Master Crowley as he was affectionately known to many, had finally succumbed to an illness he had borne for a number of years with great fortitude, courage, patience and dignity. A shining light had gone from our presence, leaving our world a darker place.Tom was born on February 27th, 1954 in St Catherine’s Hospital in Tralee, the son of James and Nora Crowley, Knockanish, The Spa.He grew up in Spa parish, where he received his primary education. He attended secondary school in The Green CBS, Tralee, and having chosen primary teaching as his future career, he went on to study at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra in Dublin, graduating in May 1973.Tom taught for four years in Cork and returned to take up principalship in 1977 in his beloved Spa NS at the tender age of 23, where he spent the rest of his teaching career until his retirement in 2010.As a committed and dedicated teacher, Tom inspired, guided and shaped lives, leaving a lasting impact that extended beyond the classroom.In the tapestry of society, teachers are often unsung heroes but in effect they are architects of future generations. Tom was totally dedicated to enabling all his pupils to reach their full potential. He was a loyal colleague and a great friend to all he came in contact with throughout his entire teaching career.The great rapport he established with his many students over the years was evident from the wonderful tributes paid to him and also by the large number of parents, teachers, neighbours, friends and past pupils who attended at the funeral home and at his Funeral Mass.Tom was also actively involved in community affairs. He devoted a lifetime of service to his beloved Churchill GAA, coaching and training juvenile footballers with much success while also serving as a mentor and juvenile officer.He devoted many hours preparing our young athletes for their involvement in Community Games and served for many years as an officer of this organisation. Tom took a great interest in preparing children of the parish for their participation in quiz competitions and was instrumental in guiding many teams to national success over the years.In 1979, Tom met the love of his life, Kathleen, whom he married in 1984. To their great delight, their son Conor was born in 1988. Having lived in Tralee initially, the family moved to Knockanish, Spa and it was there Tom spent the rest of his life, where he enjoyed many years of contentment and happiness.Tom and Kathleen had a special welcome for all who visited their home and Tom enjoyed the conversations and banter. He had a great sense of humour and always enjoyed a good story.The marriage of their son Conor to Liyana in 2023 brought immense happiness to Tom and Kathleen and the birth of their grandson Pearse brought unbridled joy to their lives. Tom greatly enriched the lives of all who were privileged to know him or come in contact with him over the years. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother and friend.His passing leaves a great void in the hearts of his beloved family, a void that can never be filled. Gan aon dabht, ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. His beautiful spirit will live on in the community he served so well and in the family he loved so dearly.May his gentle soul rest in peace.